The aforementioned phrase refers to costumes, generally clothing-based, designed to visually replicate the skeletal structure of a human or animal. These ensembles are primarily worn during the Halloween season. An example is a black jumpsuit featuring a white print of bones, intended to simulate a visible skeleton.
The popularity of such attire stems from its association with themes of mortality, the macabre, and the supernatural, all prevalent during Halloween celebrations. Historically, skeletal representations have been used to symbolize death and the afterlife, making the depiction of bones a fitting motif for this holiday. Moreover, these costumes provide a recognizable and adaptable option, allowing for varying degrees of complexity and creativity in execution.